Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has strongly condemned the Federal High Court’s ruling that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, and three other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Sowore described the decision as undemocratic and contrary to the principles of a multi-party democracy. He emphasized that it was unjustifiable to dismantle political parties that had already completed their internal primaries and were actively preparing for the upcoming elections.
Sowore argued that the court’s judgment undermines the foundation of democratic governance in Nigeria, where political pluralism is meant to be protected and encouraged. He stressed that parties should not be penalized for following democratic processes, especially when they have fulfilled key steps toward contesting elections. “It shall not stand,” he declared, adding that the deregistration of such parties is both undemocratic and unjustifiable in a country that prides itself on democratic values.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday. The judge ordered INEC to immediately remove the ADC, Accord Party, and three other unnamed parties from the list of registered political parties eligible to participate in the 2027 general elections. The decision follows a legal challenge filed against the parties, though the specific grounds for the court’s ruling were not detailed in the initial reports. The move has sparked widespread concern among political observers and opposition figures who see it as a potential threat to electoral inclusivity.
Sowore’s condemnation reflects broader anxieties within Nigeria’s political landscape about the independence of electoral institutions and the judiciary’s role in shaping political outcomes. Critics argue that such rulings could discourage political participation and weaken the diversity of voices in the democratic process. The AAC candidate’s statement underscores the importance of maintaining a level playing field for all parties, regardless of their size or influence.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the outcome of this legal battle could have lasting implications for political competition and voter choice. The decision may prompt further legal appeals and could influence how political parties approach registration and compliance in the future. For now, the political community remains on alert, watching closely as the situation unfolds and waiting to see whether the court’s order will be upheld or challenged in higher courts.
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